Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-12-05
BRAWNY CRAFTSMANSHIP.
AN EXHIBITION OF THE NOBLE ART
IN A POLITICAL CAUCUS.

Fiery southrons Wax wroth and Exchange
Punches - Finale: Every thiag Lovely
Again-Doneison Beaten-Civu Rights
INDICATED by the Railway Commission
BridIing the Commit tees-B Basis for the
Ranks-Repubiicsn Caucus.
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 5-The Demo-
cratic members of the house of representa-
tives met in caucus in the hall of the house
at o'clock Saturday night. Hon s s. Cox,
of New York, being chosen chairman of the
caucus, addressed his colleagues. He re-
ferred to his long service and to the time
during the war; when the party did not
have enough members of the house to de-
mand the yeas and nays, and contrasted it
with the present of which he said;
Congratulate you. gentlemen, upon the recent
achievements OF our party. The victories Of this
year have greatly paraly zed the opposition. They
may not be able to recover for 1883 unless We
fail of harmony and duty Let me, therefore, as
one who has never deviated from the right line of
Democratic precedent and principle, earnestly
urge the unity of the party fer the sake of that
legislation essential for our success. If you
would ask me what would regard as the bright
particular star for guidance would answer
Cling 10 the doctrine of the reserved
rights of the states and the people. We
can not entrench upon them without dishonor
In the examination by committees of bills, and
in their report to and discussion by the house, it
is always assuring to hold aloft the doctrine of
strict construction of constitutional requirements
and powers. Bat gentlemen, your duty
this evening is not to pass ul,on any code or pol
icy. One of your duties is to select for the votes
Of the house its speaker. Happily there is no
more contest as 10 his personality than as to his
eminent fitness and presiding ability. Under his
leadership the minority is sure of just treatment
All! how much better than that which was &C
corded to in the reign of the audacios speaker
from Maine, and his incompetent successor from
Ohio
Wilson, of West Virginia, and Blanchard,
of louisiana were chosen secretaries Brock
enridge of Kentucky, in brief speech, placed
before the caucus the name of John G. Car
Isle for speaker, and the nomination was
made by acclamation amid enthusiastic ap-
plause. In acknowledging the confidence
reposed in MIN by his party Carlisle made a
short speech, declaring that this confidence
deserved more than a verbal expression of
gratitude-a conscientious discharge of the
duties Of his office. He then continued:
As the representatives of the people we are
sent here to do the work which the interests of
the people require, and We must do it or make
an honest effort to do it. With united and har
monious Democratic majority it is impossible for
us to fail. While without such majority it is
impossible to succeed-or, at least, success would
be extremely doubtful. 1t is therefore, of the
highest Importance that should reconsider, il
possible, all differences OF opinion among our
selves before engaging in a contest with the com
mon enemy. If can agree among ourselves
on essential points can well afford in view ol
the critical condition Of the country, to postpone
the discussion of minor matters until more ap
propriate time. This course it seems to me- /,
demanded by the highest eonsiderat ions of party
expediency and the public welfare.
Nominations were then made for door
keeper, as follows: Samuel Donelson, Of
Tennessee; A. B. Hurt, of Mississippi; VIII
S. Raines, Of New York: D. X. Reeder, o.
Pennsylvania, and Mr.. House, of Michigan
The first ballot resulted: Donelson, 70; Hurt
So; Raines, %; Reeder, 4; House, 4 On tn,
second ballot the New York delegation
turned to Hurt, and break began which
quickly gave him majority. The nomina
ton was subsequently make unanimous
Hurt is at present chief of the division of ad
justment of railway accounts, postoffice de
partment
This election began with regular amill'
between a couple of the representatives
Breckenridge of Arkansas made fierce at
tack upon Donelson. He was replied t,
rather warmly by Blount of Georgia, VIII,
disputed some OF the statements made by tn
| gentleman from Arkansas. Finally Brecken
enridge was misunderstood by Blount a
charging him with uttering words whicl
were not true, and the latter, who was nea
| the former, dealt him blow in the fac
| which staggered him. Breckenridge rallied
| dealt Blount sharp retaliatory blow on tn
| nose, and the two men clinched and begal
smuggling at short range, not injuring eac
other, however, as Rush of Maryland hal
thrown himself between the pugilists and re
ceived most of the punishment
| There was intense excitement for FEY
minutes, but quiet was finally restored, an
the consideration Of the subject under di:
cussion resumed Subsequently BIount, VIII
had been informed that he entirely mistoo
the tenor of Breckinridges remarks, aske
that the latter be requested to return to tb
room, and when he did so Blount made
frank apology and the two men shook hand
and made up"
After the election of doorkeeper, Lycurgu
Dalton, of Indiana, was reelected postmas
ter, and the Rev W. H. Milburn, the bin
preacher, for chaplain.